How dilution ratios work
A ratio such as 1:10 means 1 part product to 10 parts water, which is 11 parts in total. To find how much product you need, divide the amount you want to make by the ratio plus one. The rest is water.
Some labels write the ratio the other way round, as 10:1. It means the same thing. The bigger number is always the water.
Dilution ratio chart
The amount of product for the most common ratios and containers, rounded so it is easy to measure. Fill the rest with water.
| Ratio | 500 ml bottle | 1 litre | 1.5 litres | 10 litre bucket | 20 litre bucket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:5 | 85 ml | 165 ml | 250 ml | 1670 ml | 3.33 L |
| 1:10 | 45 ml | 90 ml | 135 ml | 910 ml | 1820 ml |
| 1:15 | 31 ml | 65 ml | 95 ml | 625 ml | 1250 ml |
| 1:20 | 24 ml | 48 ml | 70 ml | 475 ml | 950 ml |
| 1:50 | 10 ml | 20 ml | 29 ml | 195 ml | 390 ml |
| 1:100 | 5 ml | 10 ml | 15 ml | 100 ml | 200 ml |
| 1:200 | 2.5 ml | 5 ml | 7.5 ml | 50 ml | 100 ml |
SoapX dilution ratios
Three SoapX products are concentrates that you dilute before use. The Extreme formula is stronger, so it is diluted less.
| Product | Summer, Winter and Delicate | Extreme | Mix it in |
|---|---|---|---|
| No.01 Pre Rinse and Bug Remover | 1:10 | 1:5 | Pump Pressure Sprayer 1.5L |
| No.02 Snow Foam | 1:15 | 1:10 | Snow Foam Cannon 1L |
| No.05 Contact Shampoo | 1:200 | 1:100 | 20L Wash Bucket with Grit Guard |
No.03, No.04 and No.06 to No.10 are ready to use. Do not dilute them.
Mixing tips
- Half fill the container with water, add the measured product, then top up to the line. This stops it foaming over.
- Measure with a jug or the markings on the bottle. Guessing nearly always means using too much.
- Stronger is not better. A mix that is too strong wastes product and is harder to rinse off.
- Mix what you need for the wash and use it the same day.
- Never mix two different products together, and always read the label first.
Dilution questions
What dilution ratio should I use in a 1L foam cannon?
It depends on the product, so check the label first. SoapX No.02 Snow Foam is mixed at 1:15, which is 62.5 ml of product in a 1 litre cannon. Measure about 65 ml and top up with water to the line. The Extreme formula is 1:10, which is about 90 ml.
How do I calculate a dilution ratio?
Add one to the ratio number and divide the amount you want to make by it. That is your product, and the rest is water. For 1:10 in a 500 ml bottle, 500 divided by 11 is about 45 ml of product and 455 ml of water.
Is 1:10 the same as 10:1?
On a car care label, yes. Some brands put the water first and some put the product first, but the bigger number is always the water.
How much product is 1:200 in a 20 litre bucket?
100 ml. 20 litres divided by 201 is 99.5 ml, which rounds to 100 ml. At 1:100 it is 200 ml.
How many foam cannon fills do I get from 1 litre of snow foam?
At 1:15 a 1 litre foam cannon uses 62.5 ml of snow foam, so a 1 litre bottle makes 16 fills and a 5 litre container makes 80.
Does the calculator work for other brands?
Yes. Choose Another product, type in the ratio from the label and the amount you want to make. It works for snow foam, pre wash, shampoo and any other concentrate.
For the full wash routine, see How to use our products.
